Kim Kardashian 's chauffeur was among the 17 arrested in connection with her robbery in Paris, it emerged last night.

The development appears to strengthen theories that the brutal crime was an inside job, and that the gang knew exactly where she would be at any time.

Police confirmed a report in Le Monde revealing that the 27-year-old limousine driver would have known all her movements.

The driver worked for an upmarket limo firm that was used by the entire Kardashian family whenever they were in Paris.

Kim was held at gunpoint during the robbery in October (Image: Getty Images)

Pierre B. – the alleged ringleader – was arrested after officers broke down the gate of his villa in Plascassier, a village near Grasse, in the south of France.

The arrests will end 'outrageous' speculation that the robbery was all a publicity stunt, her lawyer said today.

Barrister Jean Veil said his 36-year-old client had been left deeply traumatised after being bound, gagged and threatened with death in the French capital last October.

But following coordinated raids at 6am on Monday, the gang – which includes a ‘major thug’ in his 70s – are thought to have been rounded up.

"I welcome this with great satisfaction," said Mr Veil, who said he was due to discuss details of the raids with Ms Kardashian when she woke up in Los Angeles today.

Police swooped on the suspects in dawn raids . (Image: Getty)

"These arrests are a nice surprise because on the one hand, it will perhaps make it possible to find the jewellery," said Mr Veil.

"On the other hand, it puts an end to the outrageous speculation by some, who thought it was intelligent to pretend that this robbery was staged, or a publicity stunt organised by Ms Kardashian."

Mr Veil indicated that Ms Kardashian would look forward ‘putting her nose up’ at those who had doubted her word.

One of the 17 suspects is led away by police (Image: Getty)

During recent conversations, Mr Veil said Ms Kardashian "still showed some form of anxiety. I think she was recently shocked and had the opportunity to say so on television.

"The money she lost during this robbery is not the only issue. Even though my client was not injured, this assault was very brutal and traumatic. Imagine yourself alone, at night, in front of armed people."

Ms Kardashian feared ‘they're going to shoot me in the back,’ she said this weekend on Keeping up with the Kardashians, adding: "There's no way out. It makes me so upset to think about it."

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Ms Kardashian, was tied up and locked a bathroom as the gang fled with jewellery including a ring worth around four million pound, and a case of jewellery worth five million.

The gang escaped on bicycles but one of them dropped a diamond pendant worth around 28,000 pounds in the street outside.

It was found by a woman who handed it in to police, as grainy CCTV of the men on bikes also emerged.

Kim Kardashian's chauffeur is amongst those arrested (Image: Getty)

After months of detailed police work, DNA has now been found in the Hotel de Pourtales – also known as the ‘No Address’, which is close to the U.S. Embassy in the French capital.

The forensics material matches that of a well-known armed robber with a number of convictions whom another officer described as a ‘major thug’.

A suspected ‘Mr Big’ has been partially identified as Pierre B., a ‘career villain’ living in Grasse, in the south of France. All the others arrested were linked to him.

The 72-year-old is part of a diverse network of alleged criminals spanning different communities across France and Belgium.

As well as Pierre B. – who made millions through counterfeit money – those arrested include three women, and two diamond dealers.

Some of the women are thought to have been involved in trailing Ms Kardashian around Paris before the October 3 heist.

Kim K is back on social media after a break following the robbery (Image: Snapchat/Kim Kardashian)

A police source said: "Coordinated raids took place at 6am today. The suspects were arrested at addresses in greater Paris and in the Gard department.

"The oldest suspect is 72, while others are in their 50s and 60s. All are well known to the police."

Ms Kardashian, who flew out of Paris within hours of her ordeal, will now have to undergo the ordeal of watching a video of all the men, and may also have to attend an identity parade in Paris.

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Mr Veil said: "I think that my client will be re-heard again by the investigators, or even be confronted with the suspects arrested. This may be necessary for the investigations, but it will be for the investigating judge to decide."

DNA samples that ultimately led to today’s arrests were found on a piece of tape used to gag Ms Kardashian, and also on the pendant that the gang dropped in the street.

After three months of checks, the forensic samples were finally found to correspond to one of the gang.